Window ventilator for warming incoming air



July 24, 1951 s. JOHNSTON WINDOW VENTILATOR FOR WARMING INCOMING AIR 2 Sheets$heet 1 Filed May 28, 1947 I INVEN T512. [fife/4am d/wiom July 24, 1951 s, JOHNSTON 2,561,928

WINDOW VENTILATOR FOR WARMING INCOMING AIR Filed May 28, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 66 @5 70 w 75 74 61 W I i 75 I lzvggzv TOR. [fizz a 7'5 da/ya l dm Patented July 24, 1951 WINDOW VENTILATORiFOR WARMING.

INCOMING AIR Lillian Stewart Johnston, Chicago, Ill.- Application May 28, 1947, Serial No. 750,960

:9 Claims; (01; 2'19 '34 This invention relates to new and useful im' .provements in ventilators, and one of its principal objects is to provide a heating ventilator of improved design which is relatively simple .and inexpensive .to manufacture, and yet provides'an efl'icient device for tempering theair which passes therethrough.

Another object is to provide a ventilator of improved design to afford greater heating efficiency thannis now available in devices of a similar nature 'now found on themarket.

.It is'another object to provide a ventilator which is extremely mobile in nature :and is .adaptedto be used in various sized window frames or even mounted in the window itself.

It is a further object .to provide a ventilator which is partially demountable so as to :permit cleaning of all of its exposed elements with facility.

It is a further object .to provide a ventilator which has means for directing a stream of lair, .after tempering, in a desired direction in the room.

It is another object to provide a ventilator 'which may be manufactured of transparent ma- .terial and thus permit passage of light through the ventilator and an unobstructed view.

It is .stillanother object of the invention to provide a ventilator having non-metallic heating elements which do not detract from the appear ance of the ventilator and are preferably transparent in nature, in keeping with the teachings of the invention.

These and other objects of the invention will ,be apparent from ;a study :of the accompanying drawings and the description which hereinafter follows.

Figure 1 isa view -.of the ventilator in perspective, positioned in a window sash, as'seen from the inside of a room;

Figure 2 is .a view of the ventilator spective, positioned in-a window sash, from the outside of a room;

Figure 3 is-anexplodedwiew in perspective of parts of the ventilator'shown inFigures v1 and .2;

.-'Flgure 4.-is' a transverse sectional view taken :on :line-4- 4 in Figure :1;

*Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the control ,mechanismused in operating the inlet opening in Figure 4; 1

Figure 6 is .a perspective view of the ventilator broken away at oneend to expose the-heating elements; I

Figure 7 is a .perspective view of another embodiment of the ventilator; 1

'perseen 2 Figure 8 is a perspective view ofzanother embodiment of the ventilator;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the ventilator,

.broken away to show the arrangement of a modified form of heating element;

Figure 1015 aside view of the ventilator-show- 'ing a modified formof inlet pipe; and

Figure 1-1 is a front view .of a ventilator installed in a differentmanner from that shown in Figures 1 and 2. l

.The ventilator which comprises the instant invention has relativelyfew parts. It is comprised ofacentral box-like portion orhousing. 2 having telescopically arranged sections land 6 which are adapted ,to'engage the sides of the window frame upon installation of the .ventilator in operative position. This is best shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. Thehousingl and the .end sections 4 and 6 are preferably made from glass, plastic or other transparent material, although any suitable; material, may be used. A gasket3, made from any material such as felt, fiber, rubberor the like, may be providedaboutthe external-periphery of the ventilator to insure a sealed relation between the window rsill sash and" the bottom of the window frame when the ventilator is in installed'position.

In the .embodimentshown in Figure .3, a heating :element'a is mounted in the housingportion 2 of the ventilator so as to divide the housing 2 into two chambers 5 and I, best seen in Figures This heatingelement 8 is preferably made from a piece of glass or plastic coated with .a conductive material, such as Nesa glass, or of conductive glassrasisinow found on the market. This element is an efficient heating material, and furthermore, is transparent to permit the passage ,of the 'suns rays into the room where transparent material is used forthe housing 2 and also per- .mitsan unobstructed view therethrough in keeping with the teachings of the instant invention. :Perforations orapertures ID are provided to permit zairto pass from the one chamber 5 of the box-likestructure into the-other chamber 1, as best seen in Figure 4 by the arrowsprovided to in- ,dicate theflow pattern. These apertures ID are provided only in the upper portion of the-heat- .ing element8 so that xairmust-pass upwardly for .a-distance'in chamberi of the housing 2, thus'be= ing heated before passing through the apertures llland into chamber "1 ,of thehousing 2. Inlet. means'lfi and outlet: means l8 are providedon the outer and-inner sides, respectively, .of .the housing 2. The inlet tube I6 is bent throughout its length to providean angularly exposed entry-orificelz-o. The .orificeiill can be of any suitable shape. The inlet pipe I8 is rotatably mounted on the outer wall 28 of the housing 2 to permit the exposure of the inlet orifice 28 in any desired direction. Thus, if it is desired to increase the amount of air passing through the device, the inlet orifice 28 may be exposed windwardly. Further, during inclement weather, the orifice 28 can be exposed in a downward direction to prevent rain or snow from entering into the housing chamber 2. The inlet tube I8 could also be a U-shaped member 22, as shown in Figure 10. Such design affords a trap 24 so that in the event the orifice should be exposed to precipitation, the precipitation would not reach the interior of the housing 2. The U-shaped member 22 is rotatably mounted to the outer wall 28 in a similar manner to other embodiments heretofore described, and may be equipped with a control mechanism 38 subsequently described. Further, any of these embodiments, glass wool, or other similar material, may be put in the inlet tube I8 to filter the air before its passage through the ventilator.

An electrical-socket 38 is provided and adapted to receive an electric plug32. Suitable electric connections are made from thesocket 38 (see Figures 1, 3 and 4) to the heating element 8 to provide electricity to heat the element 8. A suitable wire 34 is provided with means for attachment to an electrical outlet 35.

A control unit 38 is provided for turning the inlet tube I6 to any desired position. This unit is best seen in Figure 5. The control unit 88 is comprised of a handle 38 attached to a rod 48, which rod extends through the inner wall 28 of the housing 2, through the heating element or plate 8, and for a portion into the inlet tube I8. A slot 42 is provided adjacent the end of the rod 48 which is housed in a bushing 44. This bushing is supported by fingers 48 which are attached to the walls of the inlet pipe I8 and to the outer peripheral surface of the bushing 44. A pin 48 passes through the bushing 44 and is located in the slot 42 of the rod 48, permitting the rod 48 to be moved axially relative to the bushing 44.

By turning the handle 38 in either direction, the inlet pipe I8 may be faced in the desired direction. On the rod 48 intermediate the handle 98 and slot 42 is positioned a plate 58 which is adapted to cover the opening M of the inlet pipe I8 when the rod48 is pushed inwardly toward the housing 2, thus providing means to shut oil the supply of air into the housing 2.

In Figure 6 is shown a housing 52, similar to the housing 2 shown in Figure 3. different type of heating element is employed. The heating elements shown are a series of plates I4 composed of similar material to that used in heating element 8 shown in Figure 3 and described above. These plates I4 are arranged as baflles. The air entering through inlet pipe 54 and into housing 52 must negotiate the length of the housing 52, and the air stream therefore, will necessarily pass through and contact all of the baffles l4 interposed in its path, before being exhausted through the outlet pipe 58. Wires 58 are connected between the plates I4 to supply the plates I4 with current necessary for heating purposes.

Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of the ventilator. A housing 88 is provided, similar to the housing 2 shown in Figure 3 and the housing 52 shown in Figure 6. The housing 88 is composed of six walls GI, 82, 83, 64, 85 and 88. They are preferably made of glass, plastic or some However, a i" other transparent material. The inner surface of the walls 8|, 82, 83, 84, and 68 are coated with a conducting material, as the heating elements heretofore mentioned, to provide the heating surface to be used in tempering the air as it passes through the chamber. No other heating element is provided. Inlet means, not shown, and outlet means 88 are provided, as in the embodiment shown in Figure l. The housing 88 is provided withextensible end portions I8 and I2 which are aflixed to the end walls 6| and 85 of the housing 88. These extensible end portions are comprised of sheets I4 and I8, preferably made of transparent material, which are attached to the respective end walls 8| and 85 of the housing 88 by means such as welding. Additional transparent sheets I8 and 88 are provided and serve as the extending portions. Channel shaped means 82, 84, 88 and 88 are positioned over the corresponding ends of sheets I4 and I8, and sheets I8 and 88 to hold the sheets in operative position. These channel shaped means may be laid over the ends of the corresponding sheets and heldin position by the bottom of the window sash on one side and the sill on the other, or may beaffixed to the end walls 8| and 85 by any suitable means. Control means 38, as shown in Figure 5, may be provided for controlling the flow of air into the chamber from the outside, and for positioning the inlet means, as heretofore described. Other means, such as the closure member I88, may be substituted if such control means are not desired. Furthermore, since in this embodiment the walls of the housing 82 are heated, a protective grating of any type on the market may be provided if desired to protect persons from contact with the housing.

Figure 8 shows a third embodiment of the ventilator. Panel 98 in this particular embodiment is a window or any other suitable wall in which a ventilator may be mounted. The preferable form of this ventilator comprises a transparent tube 92 bent in a sinusoidal pattern. The tube is inserted in a hole 94 provided in the panel and a gasket 98 of any suitable material is used to hold the tube in operative position. A heating element 98 in the form of a perforated disc, preferably made of glass, plastic or some other transparent material, and coated with a conductive material as disclosed above, is positioned in the tube 92 so as to extend substantially across the diameter of the tube 92. Wires I88 are secured to the heating element 98 and lead to a socket I82 located on the body portion of the tube 92. A suitable plug I84 and a wire I88 which are connected to a wall outlet are adapted to be inserted into the socket I 82 to provide thenecessary electric current. Closure member "I88 is pivotally mounted adjacent the end of the tube 92 and adapted to be moved over the opening II8 leading into the room to control the current of air as desired. The tube 92 is rotatably mounted in the panel 98. It is contemplated that the inlet orifice II2 will be angularly exposed so that upon rotatation of the pipe '92 the orifice may be exposed in any given direction. The inlet portion II4 of the pipe 92 may be designed as desired. It might be made similar to the inlet means 22 shown in Figure 10, so as to provide a trap 24, as described heretofore.

Figure 9 shows a housing II8 similarto housing 2 in Figures 1, 2 and 3 and 52 in Figure 6. A modified form of the heating element'is dis closed. This heating element is comprised of a series of transparent cylinders II8 positioned aromasadjacent each other soas-to effectively form a. wa-ll'of cylinders. This wall divides the housing H6 into two chambers similar' to chambers 5 and 1 shown. in Figure 4. Apertures I20" are provided in these-cylinders beginning at a distance above their bases to permit air to pass from one chamber ofthe housing H6 to the chamber, ontheotherside of "the cylinders, The cylinders H8 are made of a conductive; material similar to the other heating elements heretofore described The use of. cylindersasheating elements greatly increases the available surface area for heating of the airpassing therethrough. Inlet means and outlet means, not shown, may be provided in a manner similarto thatheretofore discolsed in the embodiment shown inv Figurei3. Control means 36, as shown in Figure 5, isalsoprovided.

Figure, 111. shows the ventilator mounted in:.a slightly? different manner from, that shown, in Figures 1 and 2. In the mounting shown, the housing; portion I22 of the ventilator ismounted in an opening provided in the corresponding panel I 24 of the: window; onother panel into which the ventilator housin might be mounted. The ventilator housing may be supported adjacent the upper surface of the window frame I26. The opening between the window edges surrounding the ventilator housing I22 might be covered with putty or other sealing material I28. This sealing material would both seal any opening which might exist and serve to hold the ventilator housing in proper position.

The various embodiments of the ventilator heretofore disclosed indicate that the exhaust or outlet means leading into the room, such as. I 8 in Figure l, 56 in Figure 6 and 68 in Figure 7, are preferably located toward the upper portion of the housings on which they are mounted. This is to take advantage of the air as it is heated and rises to the top of the housing, thus assuring the dissemination of tempered air immediately upon the heating of the element. As the air in the housing is heated and passes out through the exhaust pipe provided, fresh air will be drawn in through the inlet means such as I6 in Figure 2. This circulation through the housing may be increased by the exposure of the orifice in the inlet pipe in a direction from which the wind is blowing. The circulation may be shut on" by use of the control means 36, as shown in Figure 5, to 'eifectively block the entry of air through the housing.

From the foregoing description it is obvious that a ventilator, as constructed in accordance with the above disclosures and the teachings of my invention, is particularly well adapted for use where a heating ventilator is desired. Furthermore, where it is desired that the sun's rays shall not be blocked off nor the ventilator obstruct the view of those within the room, the transparent embodiments are particularly desirable. It is obvious that the description I have heretofore disclosed was made for purposes of describing my invention and that I do not in any way limit myself to the arrangement of parts or use of materials which might be in keeping with the teachings of my invention.

What I claim is:

l. A transparent ventilator device for windows comprising a housing made of transparent material, electrically conductive transparent surfaces inside of said housing adapted to be heated by an electric current, inlet and outlet means rotatably mounted on opposed sides of said housing: and operable from the sheltered said control means including a. closure member adapted to: regulate the passage of air through said inlet meansintosaidhousing.

2; A-' ventilator device for windows comprise ing; atransparent housing, a transparent heating element mountedin said I housing, inlet and outlet-means .providedonopposed-sides of said housing; saidinlet' means provided with a bushing member mounted across its passage, transparent extensibleend: portions mounted on the opposed end wallsof said housing, and a control means, saidcontrol means including a rod, a knob on onecrudof said real; a longitudinal slot provided 1 in saidrod adjacent the other end of said rod; saidrodin the vicinity of said slot being slidably mounted in the bushing member. of said inlet means and operatively secured by means of apin passed through said bushing member and said slot in said rod.

3; A transparent ventilator device for windowscomprising-*2. transparent housing provided with inlet and outlet means, said housing adapted to be mounted in a window, a perforated transparent electrically conductive heating element mounted in said housing and interposed between said inlet and said outlet means substantially normal to the direction of air flow, and means for regulating the circulation of air through said housing.

4. A transparent ventilator device for windows comprising a transparent housing having rotatably mounted inlet and outlet means on opposed sides of said housing, a, transparent electrically conductive heating element comprising a plurality of perforated surfaces positioned adjacent each other and dividing said housing into a plurality of chambers, and control means, said control means regulating the flow of air through said housing.

5. A transparent ventilator device for windows comprising a transparent housing, said housing adapted to be mounted in a window, a transparent heating element mounted in said housing, said heating element having a transparent insulating base and a transparent electrically conductive coating,inlet and outlet means rotatably mounted on said housing, said inlet means having an angularly disposed orifice relative to the plane of the window, and a control means, operable from the sheltered side of the window, said control means adapted to rotate said inlet means so as to permit said orifice to be exposed in a plurality of directions.

6. A transparent ventilator device for windows comprising a transparent housing provided with inlet and outlet means on opposed walls of said housing, said housing adapted to be mounted in a window frame, transparent extensible end portions mounted on the opposed end walls of said housing, a transparent electrically conductive perforated heating element mounted in said housing and interposed between said inlet and said outlet means, and a control means, said control means adapted to regulate the circulation of air through said housing.

7. A transparent ventilator device for windows comprising a transparent housing, an apertured heating element of transparent electrically conductive material coated on a transparent non-conductive base mounted in said housing so as to provide a plurality of chambers, inlet and outlet means provided on opposite sides of said housing to permit circulation of air through said housing, transparent end portions adapted to be telescopically mounted on said housing and control means adapted to regulate the circulation of air through said housing.

8. A transparent ventilator device for windows comprising a housing made of transparent material, transparent conductive surfaces inside of said housing adapted to be heated by an electric current, inlet and outlet means rotatably mounted on opposed sides of said housing and operable from the sheltered side of the window to permit circulation of air through said housing, and a control means, said control means being adapted to engage said inlet means and to rotate said inlet means, said control means including a closure member adapted to regulate the passage of air through said inlet means into said housing.

9. A transparent ventilator device for windows comprising a transparent housing having inlet and outlet means on opposed sides of said housing, an electrically conductive transparent heating element comprising a plurality of transparent surfaces positioned substantially to divide 8 said housing into a plurality of chambers to provide a tortuous air flow path, and control means, said control means regulating the flow 01' air through said housing.

LILLIAN STEWART JOHNSTON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

